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Families move into new homes for Christmas

Wednesday, 17 December 2014

Families in Bexley have had their Christmas wishes come true after moving into their new homes at Erith Park in time for the festive season.

Thirty-three families are among the first residents to move into new homes completed as part of the £120million regeneration project of the former Larner Road estate.

The first phase of the scheme will see 66 homes built for sale, 82 for shared ownership and 195 for rent in a bid to create a mixed community. The 343 properties in this phase are set for completion by October 2015.

One family (pictured right), who has lived in Erith for ten years, are Jeanette Marsand and her children Kelly, aged two, and Kelsie, aged 12. The Marsands moved into a new home at Erith Park on December 11.

Jeanette explained that when the regeneration started she decided to stay in the area because of the community spirit and convenience for her work at St Anne's Pre-School, which will move to new premises in the second phase of the Erith Park development.

Of all the places I’ve lived, this part of Erith has always been where I’ve felt most at home. I had the opportunity to move to a new house elsewhere but I realised I really wanted to stay here. People are friendly and look out for each other and it’s such a convenient location.

My new home is all I ever wanted and more. This neighbourhood is going to be a fabulous place to live and I’m really excited and proud to be a part of the new community at Erith Park. I’m looking forward to meeting my new neighbours and welcoming newcomers to the area. - Jeanette Marsand

The transformation of Erith Park is a partnership between the local community, Wates Living Space, London Borough of Bexley and Orbit South Housing Association. It is funded by the Greater London Authority (GLA). The architects are BroadwayMalyan.

Executive Director for Orbit South, Vivien Knibbs, said: “Seeing people moving into the first homes at Erith Park really is a real high-point in the journey to transform this area. Our vision for Erith Park has never been just to build homes but to build a community and now we can see that coming to life. We’re delighted that many people will be enjoying Christmas in their new homes."

Overall Erith Park will feature 550 new homes for 3,000 residents.

Anyone interested in one of the shared ownership or private sale new homes at Erith Park is invited to drop by the marketing suite, which is open seven days a week from 10am to 6pm and is located at Waterhead Close, Erith, DA8 3RD. They can also can contact the marketing team on 0845 463 3545, email Homes@orbit.org.uk or visit www.erithpark.co.uk.

A planning application for phase two has been submitted to the London Borough of Bexley. The £60million proposal will include 244 brand new homes for local people, a community centre and a new home for the community nursery. A decision on planning is expected in early 2015 and start on site is Spring 2015.